Rockford Speedway owner knew less than she thought she did

ROCKFORD — Jody Deery had to learn this month to quit kicking herself around the block.

Deery, 88, of Rockford, president and owner of Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago and had her left breast removed Oct. 8.

"I thought I knew so much, but naughty me," Deery said.

Deery, who was a nurse years ago, had worked with women who had mastectomies "reach for recovery" to improve muscle use. She believed she had a good understanding of the disease.

But until she was diagnosed, she was under the incorrect impression that as women age their chances of getting breast cancer lessens.

She also knew about the recommendation for annual mammograms. And she had done so every year since she can remember, except for last year. During a recent physical exam, she realized she needed one.

"I put it off; I thought I was clean all those years," Deery said.

When she did get a mammogram, doctors found her tissue had been infiltrated with the disease. It wasn't a lump, she said, "it was like fingers."

Deery said she told her radiologist: "I could kick myself around the block for not doing this." But the radiologist told her not to do that. Even from one year to the next, the disease can show itself, the radiologist said.

Deery said she was back on the job at the raceway a few days after her mastectomy, planning for next racing season and wedding receptions at Forest Hills Lodge on the speedway property.

"Now I am going to say to every woman: 'Have you had your mammogram this year?' It's my duty to let women know not to be foolish. It is not that hard, and look at what it can save you."